Although the summer temperatures are currently hanging around longer than usual, it is only a matter of time before cooler weather comes looming around the corner! The high heat might make us forget, but Labor Day has just passed, and stores have already decided to trickle Halloween & Christmas decorations onto the shelves. The start of Fall is fast approaching, and September is a great month to begin the process of “winterizing” your home before leaves change color, the days shorten, and rain appears in the forecast. Addressing the all-important seasonal maintenance now could save on costly repairs later.

Here are 4 quick tips to check off your list before the trick-or-treaters come knocking on your door:

1. Service Your Heating System
Before the cold season begins, consider calling a technician to inspect your furnace to ensure your heating system’s key components are clean and running efficiently. It’s also important to note that many inspections do not check for carbon-monoxide leaks, so it is best to make sure this step is included. Taking care of this now will eliminate having to wait several weeks for an appointment should your system go down, or even longer for a repair during peak times.

2. Inspect Your Rain Gutters
Rain gutters and downspouts can easily fill up with fallen leaves and other debris, causing improper drainage. As water runoff gathers, you could possibly end up with water damage to your exterior walls and foundation. Ideally, rain gutters should be inspected twice a year and doing this yourself can save upwards of a hundred dollars. Be sure to look for damaged or missing fascia boards while you are up there.

3. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
This next tip might surprise you, but did you know that you can help reduce your heating bill and increase energy savings by reversing your ceiling fans? Of course, this trick is only helpful if your ceiling fan happens to have a reverse switch or allows you change its direction via your remote. Essentially, a fan operating in a clockwise direction will create an updraft, allowing warm air to be pushed down from the ceiling back into the room. This is especially helpful for rooms with high ceilings.

4. Check Windows, Doors, and Screens
Windows and doors are the biggest culprit in letting in unwanted drafts. The recent summer sun may have been too harsh on your weather stripping and screens. An easy way to check to see if your windows or doors need attention is to look and listen for air leaks. If you have a hard time detecting possible leaks, a lit incense stick can work in a pinch. Smoke from the incense will flutter when near a leak.

While checking each window and door, take the time to examine your screens as well.

How to know it’s time to replace your screens:

  • Sliding doors and windows may be difficult to open or close due to warped screen frames.
  • Visible damage. Holes, rips, and loose mesh are a sure sign that it’s time to invest in new screens.
  • Screens may look shiny, a sign that the life span is approaching.
  • Bugs seem more of a nuisance than normal. Bugs can creep into the tiniest of holes. If you notice an increase of flies, spiders, or other outside pests, examine the screens most in use!

Looking for a new screen? Casper Retractable Screens are custom fit for every door and window. They are 100% insect proof and have a rust-proof magnetic strip that runs their entire length for secure closure. Made with the highest quality material and built in the USA, each screen is backed by our LIFETIME WARRANTY on frame parts and a three-year warranty on the screen mesh. For information about our services or products, click here.

Don’t get caught off guard this Fall. When it comes to home maintenance, it’s best to be proactive before a bigger problem occurs.

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